Prosecutors say between 2006 and 2007, Halligen worked as the CEO of Red Defence International (RDI), a London-based security consulting and crisis management firm. The firm was hired by Netherlands-based Trafigura Beheer BV after two Trafigura employees were captured and imprisoned in the Ivory Coast.

According to The Washington Post, Halligen told nearly everyone he knew he was a spy or associated with spies.

Halligen told the company he was working to get the assistance of the U.S. in the release of the employees but incurred $2.1 million in additional expenses while doing so. Once received, Halligen spent the money on a home in Great Falls., Va., luxury goods and a fake wedding to his fianceé.

Under his contract with Trafigura, Halligen received nearly $12 million.

He was sentenced to 41 months in prison but received credit for time served. Under a plea agreement, Halligen must also repay $2.1 million to Trafigura.